Flood management technical methods for pakistan

(Sardar Qaddafi, Abbottabad)

INTRODUCTION
Floods are almost annual events in Pakistan. Pakistan has been experiencing
floods mainly because of its topography, Sind, Kabul and swat are three hazard
prone rivers, and due to climatic and ecological condition, Pakistan constantly
received flooding every year. This is not a matter of concern every year.
However, when floods exceed normal flooding level, they take dangerous turns.
Many times in the history of Pakistan, floods took severe and sometimes
catastrophic turns. In the past Pakistan experienced severe floods in 1973,
1992, 2006 and 2010. But 2010 flood breaks all past records. Latest Government
estimates put the number of people directly affected by the floods at 15.4
million, and the number continues to rise (National and Provincial Disaster
Management Authorities, 16 August).
Assessments to establish the degree to which affected populations are in need of
immediate humanitarian assistance continue. The official death toll has risen to
1,402, with 2,024 people reported as injured. Over
893,000 houses are now reported to have been either damaged or destroyed.

Pakistan is one of the most natural disaster-prone countries in the World.
Natural disasters often result in great losses, both in terms of materials and
people’s lives.
Due to its unique geo-climatic conditions, Pakistan is one of the most disaster
prone countries in the world. Four provinces, AJK and Gilgit baltastan are
vulnerable to one or the other geo-climatic disaster. Over 40% of landmass is
vulnerable to earthquakes, 6% to cyclone, 60% to floods and 25% of the Barani
land under cultivation is vulnerable to drought.
2010 extreme floods results the loss in terms of lives and assets have been
incalculable. A disaster wipes out the gains achieved in decades of development
in the affected area. Repeated disasters threaten sustainable development in
Pakistan Disasters destroy decades of human effort and investments, thereby
placing new demands on society for reconstruction and rehabilitation.
. If one adds the losses in countries like Pakistan, where most of the property
of the people, especially in the rural areas remains uninsured, the losses are
astronomical.
The unique geo-environmental setting of the North Himalayas, the heavy rainfall,
weak geological formations, accelerated rates of erosion followed by silting and
meandering of rivers, very high seismicity makes the Northern area one of the
most disaster prone regions in the country. Considering this, and the
comparative inaccessibility, the North region demands special attention to
minimize loss of lives and social, private and community losses and to ensure
sustainable development.
Vulnerability to natural disasters combined with socio-economic vulnerability of
the people pose a great challenge to the government machinery.

Disasters in Pakistan
Pakistan is confronting series of disasters in recent past, 2005 earth quake,
Hunza land slide, air blue crash, and 2010 Floods, are major disasters. These
disasters have different type and onset but resulted huge damage to life and
property .Pakistan is facing different problems like terrorism, political
uncertainty which badly affected the government and its institutions capacity.
Government of Pakistan after 2005 earth quake establish a authority for disaster
management but due to lack of technical knowledge and manpower the authority
fail to play its role effectively while coping these disasters, there is an
urgent need to built the capacity of this authority and also clearly lay down
its bylaws and mandate , NDMA think that its role is only to regulatory which is
totally wrong perception, the role of any National disaster management authority
all over the world is to regulate ,coordinate , develop systems and train
technically manpower for disaster management.

Disaster management in Pakistan
Disaster management is multidimensional field and required technical knowledge
to get job done ,army can not manage disaster , army can manage war and law and
order ,the only role army can play in disaster management is that they can
respond to post disaster phase for rescue , relief and recovery on request , but
here we misuse army in disaster management which not only kept them away from
their original task but also put extra burden on armed forces, in spite from the
fact that army play a exceilent and efficient role in all national calamities ,
on other hand it also indicate weakness in NDMA ,which is responsible to provide
technical assistance to other government agencies in disaster management, But we
witness that due to lack of technical knowledge and techniques we suffer maximum
damages in term of life and property, e.g. in Air Blue crash the plane caught by
fire for many hours and rescue workers reached the spot in minimum possible time
but they fail to control the fire and rescue the victims because they don’t have
fire fighting knowledge ,this fire can easily be controlled if they put green
bushes on fire which is very effective instrument in absence of water, these
green bushes are wild and extensively available at crash spot ,but we let the
bodies burn to ashes ,secondly I also observed the search operation for black
box which was also conducted in nonprofessional manners ,CDA worker and other
common people are exploring the area like doges exploring bones outside the
butcher shop and official called its search operation which is purely technical
think and done through scientific methods.
These type of searches must be carried out by train searchers according to
search methods(triage search or up to down left to right search) and with the
support of magnetic rods which identified black box and this type of search is
called electronic search ,which is correct and scientific method of search. I
think that we can safe life of the people if we have trained USAR team for
future emergencies.

DISASTER RESPONSE SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN
Due to frequent occurrence of disasters induced by natural hazards, the National
disaster management authority(NDMA), which has been given the responsibility and
mandate for coordinating national disaster management efforts across all
agencies. The newly born authority fails to develop system across the country to
handle disaster at national level .
Training and capacity building of the officials dealing with emergencies would
be an important instrument of disaster reduction and recovery. While natural
hazards cannot be controlled, the vulnerability to these Hazards can be reduced
by planned mitigation and preparedness measures. There needs to be concerted and
sustained steps towards reducing the vulnerability of the community to
disasters.

Importance of disaster management
Taking into consideration the value of development gains which are wiped out
through disasters, as also the huge quantum of funds required for post disaster
relief and rehabilitation, any investment in disaster mitigation will yield a
higher rate of return than any other development project. Also considering the
developmental gains, which are wiped out because of disasters, all development
schemes/projects will need to incorporate disaster assessment and vulnerability
reduction as critical components in order that the development process be
sustainable. Therefore, a paradigm shift has now taken place with the shift in
focus from reactive to proactive i.e. from relief to prevention and mitigation
of disasters.

IMPACTS OF 2010 FLASH FLOODING
Many houses and bridges have been destroyed due to flash flooding and also, due
to the water accompanied debris, which mostly consists of timber logs, tree
branches and uprooted trees of different sizes. The mass of debris has been
created by destabilization of slope, the sub soil layer and vegetation over the
same which is transported by the floodwaters. Mountainous watershed systems in
northern Pakistan collectively send water to rivers leading downstream areas.

2010 FLOOD IN URBAN AREAS NOSHERA
The city of Noshera and few other urban areas of Punjab and Sind located in the
flood plain of the swat and Sind Rivers badly destroyed by floodwater associated
with heavy rain. The urban area is located in the catchments, In Noshera city
debris flow and flooding caused damages and losses to shops, commercial centers
and house hold items such as furniture, electronic items so on. The city
transportation system, water supply, sewerage and drainage systems were also
subjected to severe destruction or failure in functioning.

Consequences of poor disaster management
2005 earth quake is fast onset disaster, all damages are natural and one can not
criticized government or any authority because in fast onset disaster damage to
life and property can not be minimized by any mean, 2010 flood is slow onset
disaster in which damage to life and property is failure of NDMA and government
of Pakistan because in slow onset disaster damages can be minimized if a country
have system in place (like early warning system, hazard assessment, risk
calculation etc). Political differences amongst federal and provincial
governments leading the Flood 2010 disaster toward complex disaster.
If government of Pakistan and international community fail to manage or poorly
managed 2010 flood disaster then it will resulted dire consequences for Pakistan
and rest of the world .If we calculate the amount of damage, magnitude and
spread of this disaster, there is a immediate need to manage this disaster
properly, if serious steps will not be taken by Government, UN and donor
countries the situation will create complex disaster which later on change into
second disaster which not only affect Pakistan but the whole civilized world.

Complex Disasters-
Complex disasters exist where adverse political conditions compound a disaster
or emergency situation. Such situations are complicated because the breakdown of
the political structure makes assistance or intervention difficult. This sort of
emergency is usually associated with the problems of displaced people during
times of civil conflict or with people in need caught in areas of conflict.

THE SECOND DISASTER
The actual disaster results in a lot of damage to the population in terms of
loss of life and property. This direct result can be dubbed as the ‘first
disaster’. The impact of the first disaster sends another wave of damage
triggered by chain of events relating to the first disaster by means of
cause-and-effect, resulting in indirect damage to people remote from the
original disaster. This can be called the ‘second disaster’. For example,
tsunami had caused loss in terms of life, damage to houses, etc. This is the
first disaster. This leads to disruption in the trade of fishing industries,
which suffers massive financial losses. The losses suffered by these industries
results in lower wages and salaries to those involved in the fishing business.
These people cannot repay their loans, resulting in losses to money lenders, and
so on. Such events can also result in higher incidences of Looting robberies
civil war, heart attacks, strokes, suicides and homicides. This is called
‘second disaster’ and can be in greater magnitude than the ‘first disaster’.
Proper rehabilitation and care of the victims of first disaster can break the
chain of events leading to the second disaster.
NDMA must prepare national disaster plan for flood victims to avoid above stated
situations and also centralized all disaster management activities for effective
recovery at national level and setup national early warning system, Hazard
assessment, and Risk and hazard mapping for minimizing damages in any future
event. Apart from an effective disaster response system, it is important to have
a good flood prevention and mitigation system to achieve objectives of
vulnerability reduction.

Supportive Technologies
A number of tools are available to array and display information for the use of
technical experts, to explain programmes of flood damage reduction to the
decision-makers, and to communicate real time forecasts and warnings to the
public. In general the tools should be interactive in the sense that the
information can be easily updated, and flexible enough to develop scenarios, and
to provide visual and quantitative information regarding the state of conditions
during the forecasted event.

FLOOD ADVISORY/WARNING (READY, GET SET, GO)

MEANING
The message suggests awareness that flooding is possible within the next24 hours
The message suggests preparedness and that flooding is threatening within the
next 12 hours The message prompts response as flooding is expected to occur/or
will persist within the next 12hours.

To minimize flood damage the basic approach is to prevent flood waters from
reaching the damage vulnerable centers. The Flood Forecasting Network sends
information to all the major flood prone inter-Provincial river basins in the
country. Information from satellites is used for mapping and monitoring flood
prone areas. The Flood commissioner under the Ministry of Water issues flood
forecasts and Warnings. A flood alert is issued well in advance of the actual
arrival of floods to enable People to take appropriate measures and shift to
safer places.
Despite this, floods continue to be a menace primarily because of the huge
quantum of silt, which has raised the bed level in many rivers. During high
floods, many breaches occur, causing inundation over vast areas for most of the
monsoon months of June to September. The country thus needs a better and
effective flood mitigation system to ensure the safety of its people and
economy.

Who is Responsible for damages?
2010 floods are historical in term of magnitude and spread out, Pakistan is
exposed to floods almost every year but the recent floods breaks all records of
the past, If we put bird eye view on and affected area we see that amount of
damage is maximum in term of property and livelihood, If we calculate damages
,first of all food basket of the country completely destroyed ,loss of
livelihood ,loss of infrastructure. These damages can not be recovered or
rehabilitated in short period of time by any mean, these damages are
irrecoverable and irreversible, e.g. The soil of fertile basin plate of Indus
River badly polluted and overlapped by flood salty mud which can not be removed
shortly, this type of damage can create drought in country.

(1) Governments of Pakistan is responsible for Immoveable property and
livelihood damages.
As a disaster manager I agree from the fact that in floods damages to moveable
property can not be minimized by any mean but we can mitigate the risk of a
hazard in pre flood period.
Past and present Governments of Pakistan are responsible to Irrecoverable Damage
to food basket or Indus basin plate of Pakistan ,because this damage can be
minimized if government of Pakistan built Dams which is best instrument of flood
control , Sind river is biggest in water flow but its water never ever generate
floods because of Terbela dam which capacitated large amount of water and
utilized for energy and irrigation purposes in spite from the fact that sind
river have large potential of flood creation, Swat and kabal rivers generated
flood because there water is unchecked or free in flow, technically both rivers
must have dams for control over its water and flow but due to lack of technical
knowledge ,mindless politics and poor planning of government of Pakistan and its
concern institutions which not only push the country in darkness butt also
destroyed its only god gifted agriculture resource.

(2)NDMA is responsible for damages to Life and moveable property.
In disaster manger eyes NDMA is responsible for damages to life and immoveable
property ,Because flood is slow onset disaster not a fast onset disaster, which
give enough time to Authorities for preparation and mitigation ,if NDMA have
national disaster management strategy in place which includes (countrywide early
warning system ,emergency management plan, Hydro meteorological hazards
assessment, Structural / non-structural measures, , Environmental impact
assessment, Environmental degradation assessment, Forecast ) damages can be
minimized ,but due to lack of technical management and preplanning the whole
country exposed to floods resulted damages to life and property of people ,on
the other hand government and army also faced hard time in rescue and relief due
to sudden occurrence. This poor management of flood raises questions in mind of
international community that Pakistan suffers huge damages to life and property
in slow onset disaster due to mismanagement .
People of Pakistan are already suffering from poverty and energy crisis, now
lost their bread and butter .Being a disaster manager we know that the impact of
flood disaster is more destructive then earth quake, In earth quake damages are
bi end while in floods damages are uni- end (bi-end life and property, uni-end
only property).
In earth quake people last there life, in floods people losses their livelihood
and property so they demanded more resources and compensation and disaster of
this nature need much resources and money for rehabilitation as compare to earth
quake ,because population remain same and resources reduced.

Potential Flood Hazard in Pakistan
I think that we have manpower and instrument but due to lack of technical
knowledge we suffer damages in disasters, Flood mitigation is not difficult task
,it can be managed properly through flood mitigation system, In Pakistan we have
three potential Flood Hazard Moon soon rains, Northern glaciers and Dams Firstly
the country is more commonly exposed and vulnerable to moon soon rains which are
predictable and come periodically ,With modern satellite weather forecast we can
take affective measures to minimize its damages, because in floods only
immovable property and crops are vulnerable and people , livestock and moveable
property can be saved ,but here we suffer maximum damages in flood and turn
whole country in to disaster, we must have early warning system which can inform
vulnerable community about hazard ,secondly we must have Hazard assessment like
amount of water in rivers , river delta capacity and the water spread area,
forecast through which these damages can be minimized.
Second potential hazards are Terbela, Mangla dams, which due to any sudden event
can create Flood disaster, for this type of hazard we must educate those people
whose are vulnerable in downstream area about risk and hazard (e.g. Everybody
must have boat or tire tubes according to house hold size), this type of risk
reduction tools save life of people.

Third Northern glaciers
Melting of glaciers in northern Pakistan due to global warming is also potential
hazard, this hazard can generate flood in Pakistan .we can reduce its affect by
constructing Dam in northern area Factors behind flood in Pakistan.

(1) Environmental degradation
Environmental degradation is major factor behind floods in Pakistan
Potential effects are varied and may contribute to an increase in vulnerability
and the frequency and intensity of natural hazards.
Some examples: land degradation, deforestation, desertification, wild land
fires, loss of biodiversity, land, water and air pollution, climate change, sea
level rise and ozone depletion.

(2)Global warming
Global warming is an other major factor of floods in Pakistan, Developed
industrial states and wild fires contributing major share in global warming
which resulted heavy and long spell rains, melting of snow, raise in sea level,
storms and floods, in my view moon soon rains are annually fall but this time
the unpredictable increase in rain fall is due to global warming resulted flood
in Pakistan e.g. recent wild fire in Russia resulted heavy and large scale rains
in Pakistan resulted flood.

FLOODS
A flood is a situation in which water temporarily covers land where it normally
doesn’t. This water comes from the sea, lakes, rivers, canals or sewers. It can
also be rainwater. Floods can be described according to speed (flash flood),
geography or cause of flooding.
Floods are among the most common and destructive natural hazards causing
extensive damage to infrastructure, public and private services, the
environment, the economy and devastation to human settlements. Recurring flood
losses have handicapped the economic development of both developed and
developing countries. Floods usually are local, short-lived events that can
happen suddenly and sometimes with little or no warning. They usually are caused
by intense storms that produce more runoff than an area can store or a stream
can carry within its normal channel. Rivers can also flood its surroundings when
the dams fail, when ice or a landslide temporarily block the course of the river
channel, or when snow melts rapidly. In a broader sense, normally dry lands can
be flooded by high lake levels, by high tides, or by waves driven ashore by
strong winds. Small streams are subject to floods (very rapid increases in
runoff), which may last from a few minutes to a few hours. On larger streams,
floods usually last from several hours to a few days. A series of storms might
keep a river above flood stage (the water level at which a river overflows its
banks) for several weeks.

FLOOD ASSESSMENT LEVEL
Alert
Alarm
Critical

RIVER HEIGHT
Level 4 (The River at a Particular reference point is about 40% full)
Level 6 (The river at a particular reference point is about 60% full)
Level 10 (The River at a particular reference point is 100% full)

However, all floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a
period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few
minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a
dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and
can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a
defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be
destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects
similar to flash floods.
Flood types
Flash floods
Coastal floods
Urban floods
River (or fluvial) floods
Ponding (or pluvial flooding)
Flood has always been a annual phenomenon in Pakistan , According to the MET
department Government of Pakistan, around 75% of the total rainfall is
concentrated over 4 months of monsoon (June – September) and, as a result almost
all the rivers carry heavy discharge during these four months.. The most flood
prone area is the Indus basins. The whole country is vulnerable to floods
includes Gilgit Baltastan, KPK, Punjab, Sind, Baluchistan and AJK. But of recent
2010 floods breaks all past records,

Lists of simple things one can do to stay safe and protect one from floods.

Before flooding occurs
1. Know the route to the nearest safe shelters that you area aware off.
2. Keep the First Aid Kit ready with extra medication for snake bite and
diarrhea
3. Strong ropes for tying things
4. A radio, torch and spare batteries
5. Stocks of fresh water, dry food, candles, matchbox, kerosene etc
6. Umbrellas and bamboo sticks (to protect from snakes)
7. Higher ground where people and animals can take shelter

When you hear a flood warning
1. Tune in to your radio or watch for warning and advice
2. Keep vigil of flood warning given by local authorities
3. Keep dry food and drinking water and warm clothes ready
4. Check your emergency kit

If you need to evacuate
1. Pack clothing, essential medication, valuables, personal papers etc in water
proof bags to be taken to the safe shelter.
2. Raise furniture, appliances on beds and tables
3. Put sandbags in the toilet bowl and cover all drain holes to prevent sewage
back flow.
4. Do not get into water of unknown depth and current
5. Lock your house and take the recommended or known evacuation routes for your
area of safe shelter.

During Floods
1. Drink boiled water or use halogen tablet to purify water before drinking.
2. Keep your food covered
3. Do not let children remain on empty stomach
4. Use bleaching powder and lime to disinfect the surroundings
5. Avoid entering flood waters. If you need to enter then were proper foot wear.
6. Stay away from water over knee level.

After a Flood
1. Stay tuned to local radio.
2. Do not allow children to play in, or near, flood waters.
3. Stay away from drains, culverts.
4. Do not use electrical appliances.
5. Do not eat food, which has been in floodwaters.
6. Boil tap water.
7. Use halogen tablets before drinking.
8. be careful of snake bites, snakebites are common during floods.

Flood Resistance and Resilience measures

Flood Resistance and Resilience
Where buildings must be located in areas with medium to high levels of flood
risk, the incorporation of flood resistance and resilience at the design stage
can reduce the impacts should inundation occur. Standard measures include the
provision of a minimum freeboard above ground or predicted flood level, and the
use of resilient fixtures and fittings within.
Flood resistance measures include:
• Fitting one way valves to sewage pipes, or the use of temporary bungs;
• Sump and pump systems to remove water from buildings faster than it enters;
and
• Temporary door or air vent flood boards to stop the entry of flood water.

Flood resilience measures include:
• Use of concrete floors rather than timber;
• Location of boilers, and electrical above the possible flood level;
• No chipboard or MDF, instead using plastic and metal alternatives; and
• Lime plaster or cement render rather than conventional gypsum plaster.
Retrofitting flooded properties during the repair procedure with these is common
practice.
These measures are not necessarily more expensive than conventional techniques,
but will significantly reduce the damage, cost and time to repair if properties
are flooded.

Future Proofing
It is important that new developments, particularly in the higher flood risk
zones, are future proofed against uncertainty. Therefore it is advised that
proposed flood mitigation measures associated with developments are reviewed at
the detailed FRA stage, paying attention to the potential implications of future
changes in climate and land use. The application of the precautionary principle
and the provision of freeboard and flood resistance and resilience in buildings
can mitigate future increases in flood risk at relatively low cost at the design
and construction stage.
.
Other Measures
Measures to mitigate the risks of flooding both to and from development are not
necessarily limited to those above. Depending on the specific risks relating to
a site, the following investigations / options may need further consideration at
the detailed FRA stage of development planning:
• Flood resistance / resilience measures specific to the potential for
groundwater flooding;
• Management of surface ‘run-on’ (i.e. runoff entering the site from upslope
areas) as part of the development’s drainage strategy;
• Maintenance / improvement of watercourses, culverts, drain and sewerage
networks to reduce associated flood risks.

Flood Preparedness Planning
Flood preparedness planning is about putting in place a set of appropriate
arrangements in advance for an effective response to floods. Some of the
commonly identified flood preparedness activities are:
• Public awareness rising on flood preparedness, response and mitigation
measures;
• Stockpiling of emergency relief materials i.e., food, fodder for livestock,
emergency medicines, materials for temporary shelter etc;
• Installation of community-based early warning system for issuance of timely
and effective flood warnings;
• Management of safe areas for temporary removal of people and property from a
threatened location;
• Transportation to safe areas/ evacuation centre;
• Ensuring access to health and sanitation facilities;
• Conducting drills and rehearsals.

The key to flood preparedness planning is to have a clarity and agreement on the
roles and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders such as the government line
agencies, disaster management organizations, Red Cross, voluntary groups as well
as community members. Such an arrangement is possible by forming disaster
management authorities and teams at various levels to agree on set of standard
operating procedures (SOPs) defining what actions to be taken before, during and
after floods.

Flood preparedness Planning
• Systematic arrangement and deployment of resources to reduce the impact of
flood disaster;
• Vulnerable communities to get access to crucial information, such as timely
flood forecasts and warnings;
• The provision of basic needs, such as shelter and medical care, clean water,
sanitation and food during floods;
• Continued access to livelihoods, in order to minimize disruption of economic
activities;
• Effective coordination among disaster management agencies to ensure efficient
emergency response during floods;
• Urgent restoration of critical infrastructure and measures to be taken to
bring normalcy immediately after the floods.

COMPONENTS OF FLOOD PREPAREDNESS PLAN
A flood preparedness plan (FPP) which is an integral component of the
multi-hazard disaster management plan, is an action oriented document detailing
specific actions to be undertaken prior to floods, which set the ground for
effective execution of emergency response and recovery activities during and
after floods.

The components of a FPP:
1. Assessment of probable needs: Based on historical data from previous flood
disasters, officials at the State and district levels compile a list of likely
needs and available resources. Gaps between needs and resources are identified
in advance and also ways to mobilize them.
2. Institutional Mechanism for implementation of FPP: The Flood Preparedness
Plan outlines the institutional structure of the States, District or Community
level Committees for Disaster Management, its roles and responsibilities before,
during and after floods. The Plan also establishes the coordination among the
line agencies and other stakeholders in implementation of priority activities
identified in the plan.
3. Activating early warning and disaster response systems: The FPP defines how
to warn the whole community, based on the forecast received from the national
and regional agencies and what they should do in advance. The plan ensures ways
of involving all stakeholders, according to their roles and responsibilities,
and outlines these in the plan.
4. Resource mobilization and allocation. Responding to a flood requires
resources; therefore the plan specifies what resources are already available at
the State, district, community and village levels. The plan also specifies what
resources will be needed and where to find those resources.
5. Communication within and outside the community. To ensure clear and effective
messages in an emergency, the plan specifies how communication will take place
and via what media (radio or indigenous systems, etc.)
6. Sectoral components. A flood preparedness plan outlines standard operating
procedures (SOPs) for specific measures such as search & rescue, emergency
medical assistance, provision of water supply and sanitation, food and
nutrition, logistics and transport, health, agriculture and environment
management, temporary shelter, evacuation procedures; protection and security.

Implementation Arrangement of the Flood Control and Search & Rescue Plan at all
levels.

. Immediate and Long-Term Measure for Flood, Storm Control, Search and Rescue
Planning in the Province
a. Safety for infrastructure
b. Protection of Agriculture production
c. Exploit the advantage of flood management programs
d. Ensure safety for people, particularly, households in high risk areas
e. Measures for storing food, medicine, equipments, and materials
f. Plan to mobilize military forces and transportation to be ready to respond to
natural disaster situations
g. Policies to support people to overcome the impact of natural disaster
h. Invest to enhance the flood, storm forecasting and warning, search and
rescue, dyke protection and information dissemination work

Technical guidelines for Management of Floods prone Area and communities
I recommended some technical guidelines to adopt and minimize damages to life
and property of flood affected Pakistani citizens.

CBFEWS
The capability of communities to monitor and warn people about impending floods
is crucial to protecting lives and property. The high cost of telemeter flood
forecasting equipment prompts a lot of communities in developing countries to
search for cheap but equally effective mechanisms. One such alternative is a
community-based flood early warning system (CBFEWS) Flood Warning System
consists of two components: flood forecasting as a technical issue and flood
warning and dissemination as a communication.

COMMUNITY RESPONSE
Considerable attention has been given to providing understandable and actionable
warnings to target communities. To this end, warning messages have been
streamlined with only three different stages (READY, GET SET, and GO) so that
the public can easily remember what each signal means.

VICTIMS
VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF FLOOD
Almost everyone in the population is affected by a disaster. No one is untouched
by it. Those who suffer damage are called victims. The victims may die or live.
Those who manage to live are called survivors. These survivors can be classified
as.
1. Primary survivor – One who is exposed to the disaster first-hand and then
survives. They are called ‘survivor victims’.
2. Secondary survivor – One who grieves the loss of primary victims? Example, a
mother who lost her child, or a man who lost his friend.
3. Third level survivor – The rescue and relief personnel. These people are also
affected due to the disaster as they are at the site of disaster and undergo
almost the same mental trauma as the other victims.
4. Fourth level survivor – Reporters, Government personnel, traders, etc.
5. Fifth level survivor – People who read about or see the event in media
reports.

Alert-
The notice issued indicating that specific precautions should be taken because
of the probability or proximity of a dangerous event.

Emergency management
The organization and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing
with all aspects of emergencies, in particularly preparedness, response and
rehabilitation.
Emergency management involves plans, structures and arrangements established to
engage the normal endeavors of government, voluntary and private agencies in a
comprehensive and coordinated way to respond to the whole spectrum of emergency
needs. This is also known as disaster management.

Hydro meteorological hazards Natural processes or phenomena of atmospheric,
hydrological or oceanographic nature, which may cause the loss of life or
injury, property damage, social and economic disruption or environmental
degradation. Floods bring misery to those that live in the area. They can cause
loss of life and often cause a great disruption of daily life: water can come
into people’s houses, drinking water and electricity supplies may break down,
roads can be blocked, and people can not go to work or to school. Floods all
over the world cause enormous damages every year like economic damages, damage
to the natural environment and damage to national heritage sites.
A flood is a situation in which water temporarily covers land where it normally
doesn’t. This water comes from the sea, lakes, rivers, canals or sewers. It can
also be rainwater.
Floods can be described according to speed (flash flood), geography or cause of
flooding. Several types of flooding will be described in these pages together
with some aspects of hydrology.
Hydrology
• Water cycle
• Water storage
• A little or lots of water (water quantity)
• Rainfall intensity
• Speed (water velocity)
• Catchment area
Hydro meteorological hazards include: floods, debris and mud floods; tropical
cyclones, storm surges, thunder/hailstorms, rain and wind storms, blizzards and
other severe storms; drought, desertification, wild land fires, temperature
extremes, sand or dust storms; permafrost and snow or ice avalanches. Hydro
meteorological hazards can be single, sequential or combined in their origin and
effects.

HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL MONITORING
The hydrological monitoring system consists of a network of rainfall and water
level monitoring stations,
• Assessment of flood hazard and existing flood control structures;
• Identification and verification of locations for rainfall and water level
gauges using the network density derived from a topographic map of the river
basin;
• Acquisition, fabrication, and installation of rainfall, water level gauges,
and flood markers;
• Identification and training of community volunteers as rain and water level
observers; and
• Discharge measurement and cross-sectioning of rivers

Risk assessment/analysis A methodology to determine the nature and extent of
risk by analyzing potential hazards and evaluating existing conditions of
vulnerability that could pose a potential threat or harm to people, property,
livelihoods and the environment on which they depend.
The process of conducting a risk assessment is based on a review of both the
technical features of hazards such as their location, intensity, frequency and
probability; and also the analysis of the physical, social, economic and
environmental dimensions of vulnerability and exposure, while taking particular
account of the coping capabilities pertinent to the risk scenarios.
Structural / non-structural measures

Structural measures refer to any physical construction to reduce or avoid
possible impacts of hazards, which include engineering measures and construction
of hazard-resistant and protective structures and infrastructure.(e.g. Dams,).
Non-structural measures refer to policies, awareness, knowledge development,
public commitment, and methods and operating practices, including participatory
mechanisms and the provision of information, which can reduce risk and related
impacts.
Flood Mitigation Strategies:
There are two different ways to mitigate floods: -
1. Structural
2. Non- Structural
Structural measures are in the nature of physical measures and help in
“modifying the floods”, while non- structural measures are in the nature of
planning and help in “modifying the losses due to floods”. In the structural
measures we keep the water away from people and in the non structural measures
to try to keep the people away from water. All of these works can be
individually divided into long term and short-term measures.
This tailoring of technical information into displays that are more readily
understood is valuable for explaining programmes to decision-makers, informed
experts, and the public at large. Highly visual information is particularly
valuable for public meetings or open houses, but must be tailored carefully for
the audience.

Flood Plain Management
Management of activities within the flood prone area can significantly reduce
flood damages to existing development and prevent the amount of damages from
rising in the future. The most desirable approach is to prohibit new development
in the flood plain and to flood proof existing structures, or to replace the
existing development by alternative usage of the land. However, where the amount
of present development is substantial or the flood plain is essential for the
production of food or other key economic activities, alternate strategies such
as flood and protection can be considered.

A. Structural Measures
Construction of dams/diversions/storm channels/levees Construction of protective
works such as
flood storage reservoirs, diversion of water to side channel storage or other
watersheds, construction of storm channels to carry water around the area to be
protected, and levees along the floodway provide tools to reduce flood damages.
Such works can be constructed to various levels of protection, usually based on:
1) minimum standards for flood protection; 2) the optimum level of costs and
benefits based on an economic.
Analysis; or 3) to meet established levels of acceptable risk. Protective works
should be considered when major infrastructure has already been developed and
costs to protect existing investments are far less than those related to
reconstruction, lost economic activity, disaster assistance, or relocation of
existing structures and activities. However, it must be recognized that at some
point in the future the design event will likely be exceeded and catastrophic
damages will result. Levees and storage dams are particularly dangerous when
design thresholds are exceeded in that unexpected failure can result in a rapid
rise in water level and make evacuation and emergency protection extremely
difficult. Diversions or storm channels are less prone to catastrophic failure
and the level of protection contemporarily be increased by emergency measures if
the lead-time of the flood warning is sufficient. Information must be credible
and easily understood. The above techniques, combined with the flood forecast,
provide a very effective means of delineating areas at risk and for
communicating this to the decision-makers, emergency response teams, and the
public.
Flood control storage may be one component of a multi-purpose reservoir
development. Over time the operation of the reservoir could be altered to
enhance other beneficial uses of storage to the detriment of flood control. A
commitment to "designated flood storage" and to reservoir operation procedures
to achieve that storage is needed. Inspection, rehabilitation and maintenance
Structural works require a periodic and systematic inspection, rehabilitation
and maintenance programme to ensure that the design capabilities are maintained.
For example, levees may be subject to weakening due to erosion during a past
flood event, by the actions of burrowing animals, or the construction of utility
lines through the levee. Of particular importance is an inspection programme and
responsibility assigned for rehabilitation and maintenance.
Structures such as dams should be subject to a dam safety programme, usually at
the national level, to ensure that the specialized expertise required is
available for the inspection of all structures. Dam safety programmes are
carried out in many countries and standards or guidelines are readily available.

Flood proofing of new and existing structures
Any new construction permitted in the flood plain should be flood proofed to
reduce future damages. Building codes can be developed that minimize flood
damages by ensuring that beneficial uses of buildings are located above the
design flood elevation. For example, buildings can be raised above the design
flood level by placement of fill; stilts or piles used to elevate the structure;
and building utilities can be located above the flood level (Ground floors can
be designed in a way that little flood damage occurs through use of masonry
materials and specifying that contents must be removable. If any new development
is allowed within the flood-prone area, then the impact of that development must
be taken into account to ensure that flood levels do not rise significantly due
to the additional constriction to flow. Hydraulic analyses can be undertaken to
ascertain the impacts of potential activities and to keep the rise to within
acceptable limits Flood proofing of existing structures is difficult and
expensive. One successful strategy is to link flood disaster assistance
available after a flood event to methods of reconstruction that minimize future
flood damages. This approach often requires additional funding over and above a
payment for damages, but can be costs hared between various levels of government
and the owner. This strategy is particularly useful when flooding is frequent
and future disaster assistance can be expected as part of disaster policies.
Flood proofing of existing structures can include raising of structures to
prevent damage, relocation of utilities, changed building use, installation of
protective walls and waterproof closures, and use of materials that are not
damaged by water and can be easily cleaned after the flood event. Relocation of
existing buildings and structures to an area that is not flood prone is also an
option. Buyout and relocation programmes for a particularly vulnerable
development should form a component of flood proofing initiatives. In many cases
it may be more economical to buy out and relocate the existing use than to
protect it. Guidelines for Reducing Flood Losses A number of critical services
such as water lines, power pylons and telephone services often cross the flood
plain. These utilities can be protected against the ravages of flooding at
relatively low cost through additional depth of burial, a higher design standard
for exposed components, and rising of components above design flood levels.
Water supply and treatment plants are particularly vulnerable. They are often
located on the flood plain yet are critical for the protection of human health
during and after a flood event. Such structures need to be protected against
extreme events and designed to prevent cross-contamination from flood waters or
sewers.

Bridges and roads
Bridges generally constrict the flow of water, and they can act as artificial
dams if debris jams on the structure. In all cases, the ir hydraulic
characteristics must be considered at the design stage to prevent an un
acceptable rise of water levels upstream of the structure. Bridges are important
in terms of maintaining access for evacuation and delivery of medical and other
emergency services. Key transportation corridors should have high design
standards that will with stand extreme flooding events. However not all bridges
require a high level of protection, and the design criteria can be to a lesser
standard that takes into consideration the possibility of overtopping. Bridges
are expensive, and difficult to replace quickly after a flood event. An
alternative strategy is to design the approach roads to be the weak link in the
chain so that extreme events wash out the road but do not damage the bridge.
Approaches can be quickly repaired after a flood event and transportation
corridors restored. Road design, either parallel to the river or leading to
bridges, must be given careful consideration. There is a temptation to raise
roads that have been overtopped by flood events without giving adequate
consideration to the number and size of openings necessary to pass local
drainage or tributary inflow. In such cases the road can artificially raise
water levels upstream and cause additional flood damage. Roads can act as levees
when they are parallel to the river. This is a two-edged sword: while flood
protection is provided, the water level upstream can increase, resulting in
additional flood damages there. Hydraulic studies must be undertaken before
roads are raised to fully establish the impacts of these activities.

Enforcement of standards and codes
The enforcement of standards and codes for flood-prone areas is as important as
the ir initial development. There is a tendency to bend the rules as the memory
of a flood event and its catastrophic consequences gradually fade away with
time. Enforcement procedures and penalties need to be built into the process,
and emergency response drills undertaken to ensure that flood prevention
measures such as waterproof closures still work. An audit should be performed by
higher orders of government with participation of all interested parties to
ensure broad national standards are being met and that codes and rules are being
suitably followed and enforced. Governments should consider introducing
requirements such as surveyor certificates to verify that design elevations have
been met, or inspector reports that flood-proofing measures have been
implemented. Lending and insurance institutions could usefully be involved in
this process, as they have a vested interest in ensuring that their investments
are protected.

B. Non-structural Measures
Non-structural measures are particularly applicable to flood-prone areas that
are not yet developed. As such, they are a complement to structural approaches
in areas where additional development may occur, and they also represent an
independent approach where some control over flood plain development can be
exercised at low cost. Non-structural approaches do not mean "no use", but
rather" wise use".

Land-use planning
Land-use planning at the local or municipal level can be a useful tool in
reducing future flood damages. Consideration should be given to ensuring that
there are conforming uses in flood-prone areas as part of master
Guidelines for Reducing Flood Losses plan.

The land along a river is highly desirable for parks and recreational uses, as
well as for ecological reserves. Supportive infrastructure such as washrooms,
picnic facilities and changing rooms can be flood proofed. Private development
of conforming uses such as golf courses can also be considered. The important
point here is to integrate the land-use planning for flood prone lands into the
broader plans for the urban and surrounding area.

Zoning of flood-prone lands
The best way to reduce future flood damages is to prevent development from
occurring on flood-prone lands. Zoning of such lands is an effective approach,
but generally should be coupled with the broader land-use planning mentioned
above so that the land has a defined use. Zoning can be used to reduce damages
from flooding and be flexible enough to recognize that other forms of land use
are compatible. An example is agricultural use of lands in flood-prone areas
where water velocities are low enough not to cause serious erosion. Flood-prone
lands can continue to be used for agricultural purposes, particularly in
countries where the amount of agricultural land is limited and self-sufficiency
in food supply is a national goal. It is important, however, to ensure that the
supporting infrastructure such as buildings and houses are located away from the
flood-prone area or flood proofed. It is also important that livestock,
machinery or stored crops can be evacuated quickly from the area in the event of
a flood. This underscores the importance of a flood forecast, warning and
response system. Zoning of flood-prone lands as ecological reserves or protected
wetlands can often help to meet broader environmental or biodiversity goals. In
addition, such lands often play an important role in sustaining the fishery, and
they can also act as temporary storage and infiltration areas. Riparian buffer
strips also reduce the movement of agricultural chemicals and nutrients into the
aquatic system.

Redevelopment of flood-prone areas
A major flood disaster is sometimes an opportunity to correct the planning
errors of the past. Removal of flood-prone development and conversion of the
land to a conforming use is an option to consider. It may be less expensive in
the long run to physically relocate flood-prone development, buy it out as part
of a disaster assistance programme, or include its purchase in long term
planning. The success of the latter approach can be enhanced by measures such as
prohibiting improvements not required for health and safety, placing caveats on
the land title, and by obtaining rights of first refusal on resale. Compensation
and incentives Compensation as part of disaster assistance should always have as
a goal the reduction of future flood damages. Rather than simply paying for
damages, the funds should be focused on flood proofing, buy out, relocation and
public education on the risks and consequences of living on flood-prone lands.
In a similar manner, incentives can be developed that encourage flood proofing
or relocation, and these can be financed through cost-shared programmes. Here
the cost of flood proofing can be shared in proportion to the benefits to the
various levels of government of not having to compensate for future flood
damages. Property owners should also be expected to pay a reasonable share in
view of the enhanced value of a flood-proofed structure and the reduced
inconvenience after a flood. Land exchange programmes can be used as an
incentive to relocate from flood-prone lands. In such cases a public entity
makes alternate land available and disaster assistance is generally used to pay
for relocation or replacement of structures, depending on the costs and
benefits. Incentives can also take the form of penalties. For example, if an
individual is aware of the risk of flooding through such programmes as flood
plain delineation, or caveats on land titles, and still decides to build on
flood-prone land, then that person should bear the consequences of his/her
actions and not be eligible for disaster assistance. However this is difficult
to enforce and is reliant on strong political will at the time of announcing
disaster assistance.
Insurance is an option that needs to be considered, but is probably not feasible
in many developing countries at this time.

Land-use planning
Branch of physical and socio-economic planning that determines the means and
assesses the values or limitations of various options in which land is to be
utilized, with the corresponding effects on different segments of the population
or interests of a community taken into account in resulting decisions.
Land-use planning involves studies and mapping, analysis of environmental and
hazard data, formulation of alternative land-use decisions and design of a
long-range plan for different geographical and administrative scales.
Land-use planning can help to mitigate disasters and reduce risks by
discouraging high-density settlements and construction of key installations in
hazard-prone areas, control of population density and expansion, and in the
sitting of service routes for transport, power, water, sewage and other critical
facilities.

Environmental impact assessment (EIA)
Studies undertaken in order to assess the effect on a specified environment of
the introduction of any new factor, which may upset the current ecological
balance.
EIA is a policy making tool that serves to provide evidence and analysis of
environmental impacts of activities from conception to decision-making. It is
utilized extensively in national programming and for international development
assistance projects. An EIA must include a detailed risk assessment and provide
alternatives solutions or options.
Environmental degradation The reduction of the capacity of the environment to
meet social and ecological objectives, and needs.
Potential effects are varied and may contribute to an increase in vulnerability
and the frequency and intensity of natural hazards.
Some examples: land degradation, deforestation, desertification, wild land
fires, loss of biodiversity, land, water and air pollution, climate change, sea
level rise and ozone depletion.
Effects of Deforestation?

There are a number of adverse effects of deforestation, such as:

Erosion of Soil: When forest areas are cleared, it results in exposing the soil
to the sun, making it very dry and eventually, infertile, due to volatile
nutrients such as nitrogen being lost. In addition, when there is rainfall, it
washes away the rest of the nutrients, which flow with the rainwater into
waterways. Because of this, merely replanting trees may not help in solving the
problems caused by deforestation, for by the time the trees mature, the soil
will be totally devoid of essential nutrients. Ultimately, cultivation in this
land will also become impossible, resulting in the land becoming useless. Large
tracts of land will be rendered permanently impoverished due to soil erosion.

Disruption of the Water Cycle: Trees contribute in a large way in maintaining
the water cycle. They draw up water via their roots, which is then released into
the atmosphere. A large part of the water that circulates in the ecosystem of
rainforests, for instance, remains inside the plants. When these trees are cut
down it results in the climate getting drier in that area.

Loss of Biodiversity: The unique biodiversity of various geographical areas is
being lost on a scale that is quite unprecedented. Even though tropical
rainforests make up just 6 percent of the surface area of the Earth, about 80-90
percent of the entire species of the world exist here. Due to massive
deforestation, about 50 to 100 species of animals are being lost each day. The
outcome of which is the extinction of animals and plants on a massive scale.

Flooding and Drought: One of the vital functions of forests is to absorb and
store great amounts of water quickly when there are heavy rains. When forests
are cut down, this regulation of the flow of water is disrupted, which leads to
alternating periods of flood and then drought in the affected area.

Climate Change: It is well known that global warming is being caused largely due
to emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
However, what is not known quite as well is that deforestation has a direction
association with carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Trees act as a
major storage depot for carbon, since they absorb carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere, which is then used to produce carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that
make up trees. When deforestation occurs, many of the trees are burnt or they
are allowed to rot, which results in releasing the carbon that is stored in them
as carbon dioxide. This, in turn, leads to greater concentrations of carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere.
Change in all above stated condition resulted Flooding, swat and northern area
was riched in forest but due to lack of knowledge and information amongst local
people about importance of these natural forest , caused serious consequences
for them and rest of the country in shape of floods.
Forecast Definite statement or statistical estimate of the occurrence of a
future event
This term is used with different meanings in different disciplines.
Geological hazard Natural earth processes or phenomena that may cause the loss
of life or injury, property damage, social and economic disruption or
environmental degradation.
Geological hazard includes internal earth processes or tectonic origin, such as
earthquakes, geological fault activity, tsunamis, volcanic activity and
emissions as well as external processes such as mass movements: landslides,
rockslides, rock falls or avalanches, surfaces collapses, expansive soils and
debris or mud flows.
Geological hazards can be single, sequential or combined in their origin and
effects.
Geographic information systems (GIS) Analysis that combine relational databases
with spatial interpretation and outputs often in form of maps. A more elaborate
definition is that of computer programmes for capturing, storing, checking,
integrating, analyzing and displaying data about the earth that is spatially
referenced.
Geographical information systems are increasingly being utilized for hazard and
vulnerability mapping and analysis, as well as for the application of disaster
risk management measures.

Geographic information systems
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide a computer-based information and
manipulation system useful in support off low forecasting and emergency
response. Information from a variety of sources and scales can be combined as a
series of layers, provided that the information can be identified in terms of
the common denominator of location. For example, information on vegetative cover
can be combined with soils and land slope information to estimate infiltration
rates for forecasting purposes. Similarly layers of utility, land use, flood
plain delineation, and structures information can help in the development and
updating of emergency response plans. A good representation of the basin
topography is an important asset in flood forecasting, emergency action and
mitigation. A digital elevation model (DEM) or digital terrain model (DTM) for
the basin should be developed as part of any GIS. Technologies exist that enable
the construction of a "seamless best available" DEM. In other words the DEM is
constructed from whatever topographic information is available. Parts of the
basin or certain features may be very accurate while others may be quite basic.
The DEM can be improved with time. The development of inexpensive global
position indicators has made GIS information easier to obtain. For example, data
network sites, buildings or physical features can now be easily located with
precision and at low cost. Land use, vegetative cover or soils information is
also easier to assemble. Mapping Maps of areas at risk from natural disasters
are valuable information and communication tools. They can be used for a wide
variety of purposes ranging from flood plain delineation, zoning and land use
planning to presentation of information at public meetings. Zoning maps,
however, are static and may require updating with time as changes occur. For
static information, such as the delineation of the flood-prone area, frequent
updating is not required, and maps are a useful reference tool for a wide
variety of users. Visualization techniques.

GIS and other computer-based information
Systems allow for a wide range of presentational material to be easily generated
and tailored to the target audience. Three dimensional displays zoom and scan,
and rotational techniques can be combined with other informational material such
as pictures, overheads or slides. As an example, a GIS flood inundation map can
be generated based on hydraulic model derived information. The map can be
conveyed to residents in the flood plain and is useful for depicting the
probable impact of the approaching flood.

Public awareness
The processes of informing the general population, increasing levels of
consciousness about risks and how people can act to reduce their exposure to
hazards. This is particularly important for public officials in fulfilling their
responsibilities to save lives and property in the event of a disaster.
Public awareness activities foster changes in behavior leading towards a culture
of risk reduction. This involves public information, dissemination, education,
radio or television broadcasts, use of printed media, as well as, the
establishment of information centre and networks and community and participation
action

Measures and strategies for flood mitigation

Watershed Management
The water storage effect of vegetation, soil, shallow groundwater, wetlands and
drainage as a direct impact on the flood level in downstream areas. Each of
these storage retain certain quantities of water for various periods of time and
can influence the timing of tributary flows and hence their contribution to a
flood event. The storage effect can be likened to a sponge and is dependent on
the antecedent conditions and the magnitude of the flood. the impacts of
land-use changes on flood events can be both positive and negative, so
predictions are hard to make for a specific watershed. Generally the removal of
forest and other natural cover, and the conversion of land to agricultural uses,
compacts the soil and reduces infiltration rates, leading to higher flood peaks.
Deforestation is believed to have been a significant cause of the catastrophic
flooding in the Indus River. Deforestation and other land-use practices can also
lead to greater incidences of landslides and mud flows. Natural water storage is
also generally reduced due to the gradual loss of organic material and soil
erosion, once an area is converted to agriculture. Additionally, natural
vegetation may transpire moisture to the atmosphere at a greater rate than
replacement crops, thereby affecting both the amount of storage available in the
soil and the amount of local rainfall. Drainage of wetlands and marshes
contributes directly to changes in the timing of runoff, the amount of natural
storage in the basin, and the vulnerability of the channel to the erosive forces
of water.

Climate Variability and Change
There is growing concern about the impact of changing concentrations of
greenhouse gases on our current climate system and the ramifications these
changes might have on water availability. It is believed that further
alterations of atmospheric chemistry could lead to increased abnormalities in
climatic parameters such as temperature, precipitation and evaporate
transpiration and might well lead to more dramatic impacts on stream flow
patterns and extreme conditions. Some analyses of stream flow over the last 30
to 60 years have shown evidence of increasing and decreasing trends in the low
flows, with marked geographic patterns to these trends. Thus far, there has been
less evidence of trends in annual flood data for natural Indus basin. However
based on scenarios of projected future atmospheric conditions, it is anticipated
that there might be more pronounced alterations to the stream flow regimes in
various regions of the world. If these projections are correct, more severe or
extreme conditions may prevail.

Climate impacts on extreme events
A number of studies on the potential impacts of climate change on flooding have
been carried out as part of the work of the Inter governmental Panel on Climate
Change These studies indicate potential future increases in flood peaks of
approximately 15% in temperate zones due to increased storm activity and overall
increases in depth of precipitation. At this point in time, it is not possible
to predict potential increases in flood peaks due to climate change for specific
basins with the degree of certainty necessary for their incorporation into the
design and planning process. However, the freeboard on levees and other works
can probably accommodate the potential modifications in extremes due to climate
change through modified operating procedures of control structures.

Development of Policies, Strategies and Plans
The development of policies, strategies and plans to combat the risks associated
with natural disasters should be based on a comprehensive risk assessment. This
requires an integrated approach whereby a wide range of mitigation measures
should be considered. For example, mitigation activities such as hazardous land
mapping (i.e., flood plain mapping plus landslide and mudslide-prone areas)
should be designed so that considerations of other disaster types lead to
sounder overall land use plans. In essence, there would be very little purpose
in moving people and goods from one risk zone to another, especially if the
other hazard is equally or more apt to occur under the prevailing conditions
such as torrential rain. Within this overall process, full consideration needs
to be given to the social, environmental and economic impacts of policy and
programme development. This chapter provides guidance on aspects of flood
hazards that need to be considered within the overall planning process. The
aspects contain adhere in are meant to complement other materials in this guide,
such as the development of a flow forecasting and warning system, which are
important tools within the range of options to be considered.

Basin wide planning
Reduction of flood losses must be considered, using the basin as the basic
planning unit. It is absolutely essential to have knowledge of water uses,
diversions, storage, and management practices in all parts of the basin, as well
as the antecedent, present, and forecasted meteorological and hydrological
conditions. Tran’s boundary basins represent a special challenge in that
international collaboration is required. In such cases consideration should be
given to expanding existing bilateral or regional arrangements for exchange of
data and information and to the negotiation of treaties or agreements.
Agreements can also include the option of projects of mutual advantage funded by
all the countries involved, including construction of flood storage or other
flood preventative measures at the most advantageous locations in the basin as a
whole.

Drainage
All planned development, whether in the floodplain or not, must consider the
implications for its drainage on flood risk. In particular, this applies to
development of green field sites, for which the significant increase in
impermeable area can considerably increase runoff volumes and rates from the
site. A strategic approach to the drainage of new urban areas is likely to
increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the drainage and flood risk
management proposals, and reduce the flood risks associated with new
development.

Integrated Drainage Strategy
Opportunities for developing an Integrated Water or Drainage Management Strategy
across development site boundaries is recommended, and ideally a catchment-led
approach should be adopted.
Experience shows that integrated approaches often lead to a more efficient and
reliable surface water management system at a comparatively lower cost because
it enables a wider variety of potential flood mitigation options to be used, and
a better overall design can be achieved. Integrated management of surface water
has potential benefits in addition to flood risk, and can include improved water
quality through the use of SuDS and a reduction of water demand through grey
water recycling / rain water harvesting. Once the preferred development area(s)
have been selected, consideration should be given at an early stage to the best
way to manage drainage to maximize benefits.

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
PPS 25 requires that new development does not exacerbate flood risks elsewhere,
which means there is a need to control drainage and runoff to ensure there are
no increases in overland flow as a result of the development. Sustainable
Drainage Systems (SuDS) are designed to mitigate the propensity of development
to generate additional runoff. When considered at the planning stage, they can
be implemented to reduce flood risk to downstream areas.
“The philosophy of SuDS is to replicate as closely as possible the natural
drainage from a site before development… so reducing the impact on receiving
watercourses. This requires a reduction in the rate and volume of runoff from
developments...

Guidelines for Reducing Flood Losses
The community and individuals must have a good understanding of what is expected
of them. A good example would be evacuation. Information that defines evacuation
routes, identifies emergency shelters, and specifies actions to be taken before
leaving, such as removing mobile equipment and removing personal goods and
furniture, must be available in advance. Preparedness and response plans
detailed response plans need to be prepared in advance and reviewed with all of
the key agencies and players. There is no one" common" response plan as the
linkages will be different in each case. The response to ataxic chemical spill
is very different from the response to a major fire or flood. Not only must the
plan be in writing and available to those that will be responding, but also it
must be continually reviewed and updated. Some of the key pieces of information
are: which agency and individuals have the specific responsibility; whom to
contact for expert advice; and where to go for information on backup
communication systems. This information is constantly changing and needs to be
verified periodically and tested in exercises Multiple contact points need to be
established as the emergency may occur on a week end, holiday, or after regular
business hours. Mechanisms for coordination must be included in the plan,
including the structure of response committees, where they will meet and sources
of resource information available to them. Often this takes the form of
something equivalent to a "war room" where maps, plans, other material and
support staff are available immediately. Inventory of resources A key component
of any emergency preparedness plan is an inventory of resources that can be
accessed. In the case of flooding this could include items such as emergency
vehicles, buses and trucks, earthmoving equipment, pumps, plastic, plywood,
emergency generators, supplies of gravel and sand, sandbags, and mobile
communications equipment. The inventory should also include access to expertise
such as surveyors, levee or slope stability experts, forecasting specialists,
the media and community leaders. Emergency shelters should be designated in
advance, their individual capacity defined and plans made for obtaining
sufficient supplies of water, food, medicine and medical/social assistance. If
local resources are not sufficient, then the availability circle must be
expanded to include adjacent communities, the provincial/state and national
government levels. Triggering emergency action Advance warning is the key to
effective response. It is possible to set up a series of warnings in advance of
an actual extreme storm event that can be used as alerts. This could start with
long-term climatologic forecasts or more immediate hurricane forecasts that
identify potential danger. For specific basins an alert could be issued based on
antecedent precipitation and rainfall intensity data in advance of an actual
flood forecast. A more detailed forecast would then be issued when all of the
data and information required to make a flood forecast became available.
The emergency response to such alerts is very site-specific and should be
included in the plan. If, for example, emergency actions such as temporary
levees are necessary, then the work could begin based on an alert rather than
the specific forecast. The same may hold for emergency evacuation. The response
to an extreme flood forecast should be immediate, and with no un certainty as to
what actions and activities should betaken. The public expects governments to
act quickly and in a professional manner under such circumstances. Community
leaders should be visible, informed and active right from the start. Training
and response exercises Emergency response teams need to be well trained in
advance and their skills constantly upgraded. Once the disaster strikes, it is
too late to train or try to find missing expertise.
Trained staff should know their responsibilities, have immediate access to
response plans and other critical information, and already have built a working
relationship with colleagues in other organizations.
The only meaningful way to test response plans is to carry out periodic
emergency exercises. These exercises are meant to simulate real emergency
situations and test all aspects of the plan. Costs are significant but have real
payback in an actual emergency. Often critical gaps are identified and
appropriate backup strategies developed as part of the exercise.

Advance preparation
Assuming that there is advance warning of a major storm event, a number of steps
can be taken to increase readiness. Such steps include: construction of
temporary flood protection works; placing emergency response teams on high
alert; distribution of critical materials such as stockpiled sandbags to
targeted locations; and preparation of emergency shelters and hospitals prepared
for occupation.
The population at risk can be informed of what is expected of them in the
actuality of an extreme event. As the event becomes more certain, actions such
as evacuation of people, goods and machinery can begin. Even if the event is not
as extreme as predicted, these preparations help test emergency response plans
and inform the public as to the nature of natural hazards.
Media and public information sessions help set the stage as well. The media are
key players in the link between public officials and the public. It helps if
they are familiar with the terminology used in warnings and forecasts and know
whom to contact for more detailed information during an actual flood event.

After the flood event
The emergency response does not end with the event, but continues through
cleanup and resettlement stages. People will want to know what assistance will
be made available, who is responsible, and how to go about seeking that
assistance. Senior levels of government should develop clearly defined response
policies and programmes in advance. In the absence of such policies, the
response is often ad hoc, politically and emotionally motivated, and sets
precedents that are not wise in the longer run.

Development of Policies, Strategies and Plans
The development of policies, strategies and plans to combat the risks associated
with natural disasters should be based on a comprehensive risk assessment. This
requires an integrated approach whereby a wide range of mitigation measures
should be considered. For example, mitigation activities such as hazardous land
mapping (i.e., flood plain mapping plus landslide and mudslide-prone areas)
should be designed so that considerations of other disaster types lead to
sounder overall land use plans. In essence, there would be very little purpose
in moving people and goods from one risk zone to another, especially if the
other hazard is equally or more apt to occur under the prevailing conditions
such as torrential rain. Within this overall process, full consideration needs
to be given to the social, environmental and economic impacts of policy and
programme development. This chapter provides guidance on aspects of flood
hazards that need to be considered within the overall planning process. The
aspects contained herein are meant to complement other materials in this guide,
such as the development of a flow forecasting and warning system, which are
important tools within the range of options to be considered. Basin wide
planning Reduction of flood losses must be considered, using the basin as the
basic planning unit. It is absolutely essential to have knowledge of water uses,
diversions, storage, and management practices in all parts of the basin, as well
as the antecedent, present, and forecasted meteorological and hydrological
conditions.

CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The biggest challenge for Flood Preparedness Planning is the under lying
capacities of the National, Provincial and district authorities as well as the
lack of resources to under take implementation of the priority activities. In
most case, local resources and capacities are often overlooked, thus relying too
much upon external assistance. The linkages between disaster management and the
national and local socio-economic development processes are most often ignored,
resulting in re-creation of risks in already flood prone communities. For a
successful flood preparedness planning, it is imperative to learn from the
experiences and best practices for greater collaboration and information sharing
to enhance the synergy and to extend the resource base for more effective
implementation of flood preparedness programs. It is also important to establish
and integrate FPP within the overall developmental plan for securing resources
for better implementation.

Note
These guidelines are developed by me to help Government of Pakistan and other
organizations working for flood victims in Pakistan.